Oodles and Art

Oodles to do today. I have an interview at Seattle's Best Coffee this afternoon. I applied for both a Barista position and the manager position. Either would be fine.

I have to get my stuff ready for Hot Summer Nights tonight. I hope I do as well as I did last week. I'm so happy that people seem excited about my artwork. Its a big lift to my self-esteem.

I also need to start getting the house ready for our visitors next week. There's lots of cleaning to be done before my folks arrive. I'm really looking forward to their visit. I miss them.

Rocky J Squirral and Etsy bits....

I'm currently watching Rocky and Bullwinkle....its the episode were Sherman asks Mr. Peebody if they're going to Paris, IL or Paris, France. Leo is napping on the couch. I don't understand why his mom thinks its so hard to get him to nap....all I do is cuddle with him while we watch some cartoons and within 15 minutes he's out.

I applied for yet more jobs today. I'm starting to freak out just a wee bit. Bills are coming due and I'm going to have to pick which get paid on time. I hate doing that, but alas that's life. Hopefully I'll do well at Hot Summer Nights again this week. I went and bought envelopes for the cards that I plan to sale at Sandi's antiques store. I also stopped in to chat with her today. She's a really sweet lady and her husband seems pretty nice too. I've decided to open an Etsy store as soon as I take some pictures of my work. That's on the list of things to do this weekend.

My parents are coming to visit next week. I can't wait to see them! This is the longest I've ever gone without seeing them. Seven months is too long! It'll be nice to wonder about the hills with them. I'm hoping to have more visitors this summer too. If anyone needs a vacation and wants to see a really historical area of the US, come on out!

Wonderous White Bean Dip

While making the base for Vegan Dad's seitan lunch meat, I discovered a wonderful white bean dip hidden within. Here it is:

1 can white beans drained and rinsed

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp Braggs

1 tbsp Paprika

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Fennel Seed

a mix of chopped fresh or dried herbs

Blend it all up in your food processor and enjoy!

Wonderous Wonders!

I'm currently watching Martha Stewart make tasty looking boozy drinks. I love her and her amazing staff of crafty people! I find them very inspiring. I made lots of art yesterday afternoon and managed to sale quite a bit last night at Hot Summer Nights. I have an order for a large Cupcake print in rainbow colors and an order of my cards for a local store!

My interview seemed to go very well yesterday at Black Hills Health and Wellness. I really like all the people I've spoken with there. I feel like it would be a very positive and loving environment to work in.

In other news I'm going to experiment with making a Coconut Cake today. If the recipe is awesome, I'll be sure to post it later today.

Happy Thursdayness!

Today is a fantabulous day! I've been making so much art lately. Carl and I are going to start selling our work at the Hot Summer Nights on Thursdays. He also started his new job today. He decided after much debate to go back to doing kitchen work. He's also planning to start college this fall. I'm so proud of him and so excited to see him relaxed and happy! I have an interview in about 1/2 an hour at Black Hills Health and Wellness to be their new Front Desk person. I really hope I get it. They're very into authentic self work and treating the whole. I want to work with wonderful people who do wonderful things! Carl's mom is coming to town tonight. She'll be here visiting for the weekend. I love spending time with Syndi! She's an awesome lady!

Coffee Cake of My Dreams

The batter for this is more like a dough, but it bakes up moist and amazing!

For Cake

1 cup caster sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup vegan butter

1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking powder

2 cups all-purp flour

2 cups fresh fruit (I love it with Rhubarb)

For Topping

1/4 cup caster sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375. Prepare a 9 x 13 x 2 baking dish. Cream sugars, butter, and apple sauce. Add dissolved cornstarch and vanilla. Fold in flour and fruit and spread into baking dish. Sprinkle on topping and bake for 35 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

Crazy Crunch Salad

This is a fantastic summer salad that I came up with while fiddling around the kitchen yesterday.

1 bunch radishes sliced

1 bunch spring onions sliced

4 stalks celery sliced

1/2 cup toasted walnuts

2 to 3 tbsp Veganaise

1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/8 tsp dill

salt and pepper to taste

mix all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and enjoy!